Parking Brake Actuator

This procedure replaces the electronic parking brake actuator motor on the rear brake caliper assembly of a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electronic parking brake actuator motor × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification - verify left/right side
• Actuator mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Brake fluid (if system is opened) × 1 — Motorcraft DOT 4 LV

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake (you will release it electronically in the next steps)
2. Chock the front wheels securely
3. Connect Ford IDS or equivalent scan tool capable of EPB service functions
4. Turn ignition to ON position (engine off)
5. Using scan tool, navigate to EPB service mode and select 'Retract EPB for Service' - this will fully retract the parking brake actuators
6. Verify scan tool confirms EPB is in service mode before proceeding
7. Turn ignition OFF and disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental EPB activation
8. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight at manufacturer-specified jacking points
9. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and document actuator condition
   Before removal, inspect the parking brake actuator for visible damage, corrosion, or fluid leaks. Note the orientation of the actuator and electrical connector position. Take photos if possible for reference during installation. Verify you have the correct replacement actuator for the left or right side.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the parking brake actuator motor. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the connector. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. Do not pull on wires - grasp the connector body only.
   ⚠Damaged connector pins can cause EPB system malfunction. Clean or replace connectors showing corrosion.
3. 3

   Remove actuator mounting bolts
   Locate the two actuator mounting bolts securing the EPB motor to the rear brake caliper. Using the appropriate socket, remove both mounting bolts. Note that these are typically on the inboard side of the caliper. Support the actuator as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove parking brake actuator
   Carefully pull the actuator straight out from the caliper. The actuator shaft engages with the caliper piston mechanism - you may need to rotate it slightly while pulling to disengage. Do not force it. Set the old actuator aside for comparison with the new unit.
   ⚠Forcing the actuator can damage the caliper piston screw mechanism, requiring complete caliper replacement.
5. 5

   Inspect caliper piston interface
   With the actuator removed, inspect the caliper piston screw mechanism and actuator mounting surface. The piston should be fully retracted (confirmed by scan tool service mode earlier). Check for corrosion, debris, or damage to the screw threads and mounting face. Clean the mounting surface with brake parts cleaner and a wire brush if needed.
6. 6

   Prepare new actuator
   Remove the new parking brake actuator from packaging. Verify it matches the old actuator exactly (left/right side specific, same connector type). Confirm the actuator shaft is in the retracted position. Do not manually extend or retract the new actuator before installation.
   ⚠Installing the wrong side actuator or a pre-extended actuator will prevent proper installation and can damage components.
7. 7

   Install new actuator
   Align the new actuator shaft with the caliper piston screw mechanism. You may need to rotate the actuator slightly to engage the splines or drive mechanism. Carefully push the actuator into position until the mounting holes align and the actuator seats flush against the caliper. Ensure the electrical connector is positioned for easy access.
8. 8

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   Insert both actuator mounting bolts by hand and thread them several turns to ensure proper engagement. Apply medium-strength threadlocker if recommended by the replacement part instructions. Torque both mounting bolts to specification in a crisscross pattern.
   ⚠Under-torqued bolts can allow actuator movement and EPB failure. Over-torquing can strip threads in the caliper housing.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Carefully align and connect the electrical connector to the new parking brake actuator. Push firmly until you hear or feel the locking tab engage. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked. Ensure no wires are pinched or rubbing against moving parts.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel
    Reinstall the rear wheel, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Lower vehicle until wheel just contacts the ground (but vehicle still supported by jack stands). Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect battery and exit service mode
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn ignition to ON position (engine off). Using the scan tool, navigate to EPB service functions and select 'Exit Service Mode' or 'Apply Parking Brake'. The actuator should cycle and you should hear/feel the parking brake engage. If the actuator does not respond, verify all electrical connections and check for diagnostic codes.
    ⚠️Do not operate the vehicle until you have successfully exited EPB service mode and confirmed parking brake operation.
12. 12

    Perform EPB calibration
    With the scan tool still connected, perform the EPB calibration procedure as directed by the tool. This typically involves several apply/release cycles to allow the system to learn the new actuator's characteristics. Follow all on-screen prompts. The calibration process may take 2-3 minutes per side.
    ⚠Skipping calibration can result in improper parking brake force and potential rollaway incidents.
13. 13

    Clear diagnostic codes
    Use the scan tool to check for and clear any diagnostic trouble codes related to the EPB system that were stored during the service procedure. Common codes include EPB service mode active, actuator replacement, or calibration incomplete. After clearing codes, cycle the ignition off and back on to verify no codes return.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps
2. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and wiring is routed away from heat sources and moving components
3. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification after vehicle has been driven 50-100 miles

Verification

• With engine running and transmission in Drive (foot on brake), apply the electronic parking brake using the EPB switch - verify the parking brake applies and the warning light illuminates
• Release the parking brake using the EPB switch - verify it releases and the warning light extinguishes
• On a slight incline (with clear surroundings), place transmission in Neutral, apply parking brake, and verify vehicle does not roll when foot brake is released
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes using scan tool - there should be no active EPB-related codes
• Test drive vehicle and verify parking brake warning light remains off during normal driving
• Verify parking brake applies and releases smoothly without abnormal noises or delays
• If any codes are present, actuator does not respond, or parking brake fails to hold the vehicle, do not operate the vehicle - repeat troubleshooting or seek professional service

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